Ludington City Council to discuss new event fees to charge for summer events, up to $500 each.

[AQUAMAN]

On February 25th, the City Council will hold a meeting to discuss new event fees being considered for the City of Ludington. If you want to hold an event on city property, it's going to cost you to do so in the future, per City Manager John Shay III. It could be only $25, or it could go up to $500, per event!

Apparently, the city is holding the meeting to get public input, or at least to show they are going to open public comment on this, BEFORE THEY PASS IT! Imho, the COL has many other sources of revenues, and much money in the banks locally. When I say much money, I mean literally about $10Million or more! That sound like a municipality that is short on funds? This sound like a good idea for the short event season during the summer months, when the locals can finally enjoy some good weather and fun? Will this apply to the non-profit events, charitable organization events, goodwill events, money-raising events for families in crisis, or a whole host of other events that we have come to appreciate, and get used to after all this time?

Of course if you want to battle blizzard conditions, gusty 50 mph winds, temps. below zero, closures of roads and schools, closures of businesses, warnings by the Sheriff to stay home unless you have an emergency, and such, sure, come on down. In think the timing and idea in itself is pathetic, and greedy at best. But, what can we expect in the middle of one of the coldest February's on record from an appointed City Mgr. wielding power around Ludington?

Anyone else think this a fair and good idea? I mean really? Is this all Shay has to do this winter? Why doesn't he and the city council concentrate their menial minds and energies on the looming crisis's in our infrastructure? Concentrate on something positive for locals? Get the taxes on citizens down? This Detroit man has been our City Mgr. for about 10 years now, and I personally don't see him improving in performance and conscience yet in all these years, and for the $100K+/yr. salary, he sure doesn't get any approval to continue in this position. I know one thing, I don't even want to hear this crap!

Here is the packet for that meeting:

http://ludingtoncitymi.minutesondemand.com/Document/71daec6a-c9b3-e...

[Willy]

I could get very attached to your attachment.  Was there any reason given for the fees?

[AQUAMAN]

The excuse given is that some functions use city picnic tables and refuse cans, and the DPW cleans it up. How this is such a big cost and inconvenience, is beyond me. In addition, most events have volunteers that do clean ups. It should be simple and in any contract they have with any organization to do this in advance. So, it's just another disguise for getting people to pay money to them imho.

[AQUAMAN]

Don't tell anyone, but I'm secretly recruiting that bunch to run for city council next election year. So far I have first, second, third, and fourth wards, plus at large council members here. Still looking for a Mayoral candidate. The thread-based article came from page 1, LDN. MCP still doesn't show it yet. After next election cycle, I expect a LOT MORE attendance at the CC mtgs., lol. And we may actually get something done for the locals for a change.

[XLFD]

I have a hard time telling which is the at-large councilor, but I see they're getting in practice for being councilors by plugging their ears, hopefully to be used when in the presence of John Shay and not the public. 

Aquaman, I included the full council packet of that special meeting at the end of your article, where it goes into detail of what's all happening.

[XLFD]

Anybody go to this meeting today?  I was planning on making it but a series of small emergencies coming up prevented me from doing so.